Transformation was the overwhelming sentiment in Detroit last week, where I spent three days amidst over 2,000 media-makers, poets, artists, ecological, social and health justice advocates, and all-around radical visionaries at the Allied Media Conference (AMC). Through the lens of a city in massive economic and social transition, attendees participated in workshops, panels, and tours around using media and technology strategically to build a more creative and just world.

Outside the conference walls, the “Growing Our Economy to Growing Our Souls” tour of Detroit’s East Side gave attendees insight into the rich history of Detroit’s industrial development and decline, and how communities are reviving in the 21st century. The tour began at the abandoned and Packard automobile plant and progressed to the General Motors Poletown Plant, where 4,200 people were displaced through eminent domain. The tour wrapped up with a visit to the Earthworks Urban Farm and the “thought-provoking and action inspiring” Heidelberg Project.

On our way out of town, other members of the Twin Cities “Minnesota to Motown” delegation and I also stopped by the site of the “Green Economy Leadership Training” summer program in Highland Park where participants were installing a passive solar greenhouse with plans to feed into the local food economy.

As we continue to navigate our ecological and social crises while envisioning alternate paths, keep the Allied Media Project on your radar and hopefully I’ll see you at the AMC 2012!

Transformation was the overwhelming sentiment in Detroit last week, where I spent three days amidst over 2,000 media-makers, poets, artists, ecological, social and health justice advocates, and all-around radical visionaries at the Allied Media Conference.